I had a great time camping with my 11 year old son Peter at his first Scout Campout. The next morning I ran for a mile and then we went on a hike up to a ridge that had a beautiful view of the East Canyon Reservoir. This was about 3 miles RT. Peter and I had a good time and he hiked well commenting that it must be because of all the running he has done this summer--probably about 60 miles over the summer (go Mom!).
After the hike I helped him cook breakfast for the troop and then I took off on the rest of my run. I ran the 1/2 mile up to the dam and then around the east side of East Canyon Reservoir. I intended to turn back where route 66 meets route 65, but decided to run up the Hogs Back, which is a long steep hill that is a challenge for local cyclists (myself included!). I ran all the way to the top only to find that I needed two more miles to get to 7 to make it 14 for my out and back, so I ran down the other side for two miles towards Hennefer. Since we had already gone on the hike and had a late breakfast it was now 11am and about 90 degrees outside and my water supply was all but gone. After descending the other side of the Hogs Back for two miles and then re-ascending the summit I was beat. I walked the last 200 yards to the top and then ran down the other side back to the 65/66 intersection and all the way to the base of another steep climb...which I walked. But I felt pretty good for my accomplishment this far having done all that climbing and still was at 8:58/mile. I needed water. There was a state park about 1 mile away so I hoofed it to the top of the hill and ran to the state park where I doused my head in cold water and drank a full bottle. Then I went back out to the highway and completed my run. That was actually a few days ago now and I was sore on Sunday and even more sore on Monday so my run had the desired effect of breaking down the muscles in advance of St. George. I need a few more like that, but now it's time to taper for LOTOJA in two weeks. Life is never dull! | 